The work of integration
Finding our faith in the tasks at hand
How does a scientist find space to express their faith within their research and teaching? Ruth Bancewicz joins us on the podcast in an interview with guest host and Women Scholars and Professionals Director Karen Guzmán. Ruth and Karen sit down together to discuss Ruth’s work as a science and faith professional, serving as a thoughtful catalyst for integration at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at Cambridge University in England. Ruth describes her journey into this unique position and offers encouragement to women who are working toward more fully integrating their faith with their work life — and encountering struggles along the way. And if you listen all the way to the end, you’ll hear a short passage from one of Ruth’s books entitled Wonders of the Living World.
“I managed to divide myself in half. We can let our lives run on parallel tracks, and that is one way people deal with things. But it’s not healthy because the trains will collide.”
The task of integration does not come naturally within the confines of traditional institutions. We’re often encouraged to probe more specifically, more technically into the depths and the details of our work with little opportunity to step back for a broader view. But catching a vision of the forest is worth the effort, if we can discipline ourselves to retreat from the trees. There’s nothing that supports big-picture worldview like the night sky, and we’re reminded of Deb Haarsma’s writing on the way her study of astronomy inspires her. Maybe your work doesn’t call you to look at the stars, but perhaps there is a bigger view to take in? The vast expanse of history, the miracle of the human body, the mind-bending nature of infinity, the breadth of social networks — it all belongs to the Lord, and we’re participating in the miracle of God’s kingdom every day.
“The night sky isn’t meant to remind us of how small we are; it is meant to remind us of how vast God’s love is.”
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A Lenten Prayer Experience. How are you observing Lent this year? There is still time to join us for a gentle rhythm of prayer based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Click through for sign-up information and more details!
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS
Transform Your Writing: A Workshop (June 23-27, 2025) Do you feel called to write but wish you had more time to focus on it? Would you like to improve your craft or learn to write more effectively? Do you need encouragement or consultation to discern next steps on your writing? If so, the Transform Your Writing workshop might be for you. Space is limited, so apply now!
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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Ages & Stages: How Women Work & Lead Across Seasons of Life. This spring the DePree Center at Fuller Seminary joins Women, Work, & Calling at The Denver Institute for Faith and Work to host a four-part webinar series explores the challenges and opportunities unique to distinct seasons of life through the experiences of women who have lived and led through them. Click through to learn more.
The Faculty Theological Collaborative (August 4-6, 2025) supports Christian professors at secular universities in faith-informed research and teaching. Cosponsored by Regent College, the Center for Christianity and Scholarship, and the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, this three-day workshop at Duke University provides advanced theological training, living examples of the unity of faith and scholarship, and rich fellowship with Christian faculty across institutions and disciplines. Click through to learn more.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Laura Vanderkam offers wise communication advice for those working remote or hybrid: “Don’t assume the worst.”
“Many years ago, I had a student who shared with our class that he had killed a motorcyclist in a car accident.” Heather Thompson Day offers a Lenten meditation as we perceive our deep need for the work of the cross. (Christianity Today, unlocked)
Faculty Mentoring Needs a Makeover. “The old approach — professor as role model and advice giver — is no longer sustainable.”
Can adults develop seasonal allergies? Turns out the answer is yes.